Each year, over 400,000 students from 200 nations choose the United Kingdom for their undergraduate and postgraduate education – joining more than two million local UK students.

In the Tertiary Education Commission’s publication entitled ‘Participation in Tertiary Education 2013’, the United Kingdom is ranked as the most preferred destination for higher studies with more than 25 per cent of Mauritian students studying abroad having chosen the UK.

Why do these students make the UK their number one choice, and what does a UK education offer you?

A world-class education

UK education is all about giving you inspiration to develop your knowledge and skills, freedom to be creative, and support to help you achieve your best.

UK universities and colleges offer you a world-class education. Being a student in the UK gives you the chance to discover your true potential and gain a qualification that will be respected worldwide.

On a UK course you’ll benefit from excellent teaching and facilities. In order to accept students, accredited UK education centres must meet strict quality standards set by the UK government and education bodies.

This attention to quality is reflected in the results.

Four of the top six universities in the world are in the UK (World Rankings, QS)

Over 88% of international higher education graduates are satisfied with their UK learning experience (Tracking International Graduate Outcomes, BIS)

A pathway to your dream career

A UK degree can help you realise your ambitions. Statistics* show that UK-educated international graduates achieve significantly higher average salaries than if they had been educated in their home country.

A recent research by the British Council has revealed that one in ten current world leaders studied in the UK.

A chance to perfect your English skills

English language skills are highly sought after by employers worldwide. By living and studying in the UK, you will find that your language skills improve dramatically and you gain real confidence, helping you in your future career.

The adventure of a lifetime!

Take the plunge and immerse yourself in UK student life to get the most from your experience. When you sign up for clubs and societies early in your time at your university or college, you’ll be on the way to making friends for life. And you will have lots of opportunities to explore the UK’s unique cities, countryside and culture.

Each year, thousands of international students successfully gain a visa to study in the United Kingdom. The UK government welcomes international students, and there is no limit on the number of student visas that can be issued.

The Education UK website also answers some questions on student visas.

Cost of living

Before you apply to study in the UK, we strongly recommend that you research how much it is likely to cost, to make sure you can afford it and to help you plan.

Course fees are likely to be one of your biggest expenses – but don’t forget day-to-day living costs as well. To help you plan your living costs, have a look at the International Student Calculator.

According to a recent HSBC report, the average cost per year of study in the UK for international students is £18,759 (US$30,325), which breaks down to £11,933 (US$19,291) for fees and £6,825 (US$11,034) for cost of living.

Based on estimates of the UK’s National Union of Students (NUS), the total average expenditure in London is expected to be £23,521 each academic year. This breaks down as follows:

£10,133 for course costs

£13,388 for living costs
(£6,143 for rent, £1,956 for food, £316 for household goods, £65 for insurance, £2,074 for personal items, £1,524 for travel and £1,310 for leisure).

If living and studying in England but outside London, the total average expenditure is expected to be £22,189 each academic year with the main difference being in rent and insurance.